Section 7. (a) The superintendent of a facility may petition the district court or the division of the juvenile court department in whose jurisdiction the facility is located for the commitment to said facility and retention of any patient at said facility whom said superintendent determines that the failure to hospitalize would create a likelihood of serious harm by reason of mental illness.
(b) The medical director of the Bridgewater state hospital, the commissioner of mental health, or with the approval of the commissioner of mental health, the superintendent of a facility, may petition the district court or the division of the juvenile court department in whose jurisdiction the facility or hospital is located for the commitment to the Bridgewater state hospital of any male patient at said facility or hospital when it is determined that the failure to hospitalize in strict security would create a likelihood of serious harm by reason of mental illness.
(c) Whenever a court receives a petition filed under any provisions of this chapter for an order of commitment of a person to a facility or to the Bridgewater state hospital, such court shall notify the person, and his nearest relative or guardian, of the receipt of such petition and of the date a hearing on such petition is to be held. The hearing on a petition brought for commitment pursuant to paragraph (e) of section 15, and sections 16 and 18, or for a subsequent commitment pursuant to paragraph (d) of section 8 shall be commenced within 14 days of the filing of the petition, unless a delay is requested by the person or his counsel. For all other persons, the hearing shall be commenced within 5 days of the filing of the petition, unless a delay is requested by the person or his counsel. The periods of time prescribed or allowed under the provisions of this section shall be computed pursuant to Rule 6 of the Massachusetts Rules of Civil Procedure.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part I - Administration of the Government
Section 3 - Transfers; Notice; Emergencies
Section 4 - Periodic Review; Notice
Section 5 - Commitment or Retention Hearings; Right to Counsel; Medical Examination; Notice
Section 6 - Retention of Persons; Validity of Orders; Hearing
Section 7 - Commitment and Retention of Dangerous Persons; Petition; Notice; Hearing
Section 8 - Proceedings to Commit Dangerous Persons; Notice; Hearing; Orders; Jurisdiction
Section 9 - Review of Matters of Law; Application for Discharge; Notice; Hearing
Section 10 - Voluntary Admissions; Consultation With Attorney; Discharge; Outpatients; Veterans
Section 11 - Voluntary Admissions; Withdrawal; Notice; Examination; Retention
Section 14 - Transfers From Bridgewater State Hospital to Other Facilities
Section 18a - Facility Residents; Contribution Towards Cost of Counsel
Section 19 - Parties or Witnesses; Determination of Mental Condition
Section 20 - Extradition of Mental Institution Escapees
Section 21 - Transportation of Mentally Ill Persons; Restraint
Section 23a - Competent Interpreter Services in Hospitals Which Provide Acute Psychiatric Services
Section 24 - Legal Capacity of Persons Admitted or Committed
Section 25 - Guardian or Conservator; Appointment
Section 27 - Administration of Estate of Deceased Inpatient or Resident
Section 28 - Violent or Unnatural Death of Patients; Notice to District Attorney
Section 29 - Instruction and Education; Work Programs; Sale of Work Products
Section 30 - Unauthorized Absence of Patients; Notification of Police, Et al.; Return
Section 31 - Medicine and Drugs; Indigent Patients
Section 32 - Charges for Care of Persons in Facilities
Section 34 - Commitment or Transfer to Veterans Administration or Other Federal Agency
Section 35 - Commitment of Alcoholics or Substance Abusers
Section 36 - Patient Records; Inspection; Maintenance and Retention
Section 36a - Court Records of Examination or Commitment; Privacy
Section 36b - Duty to Warn Patient's Potential Victims; Cause of Action